I am Patrice Rutty of Rutty Roots and Addis Alem Ark Foundation currently residing in Connecticut. I have done a tremendous amount of work with the children and school in the Walkerswood Community. I was a teacher at Walkerswood Basic School and also a previous resident of the Walkerswood Village. I am working closely along with family receiving updated information from the current Principal Wendy Laws of the Walkerswood Basic School. Walkerswood is a small community located in the parish of St.Ann, Jamaica. It is an established village with key facilities that serve the social and spiritual needs of its people.

Hurricane Melissa have caused significant damage to the schools, community center, churches, homes, shops and a total devastation for farmers from crops to livestock.

The storm has left the community with gloomy spirits and we need assistance to rebuild our school and community center so that there can be a start to normal activities where they learn, grow, thrive and socialize.

The main goal is start with repairing the school roofing, replacing furnitures destroyed from water damage, reconstruct the outdoor play yard and replacing doors lost during the hurricane then moving on to extend help in the community doing food donations as long as we are able to assist with your help. Our goal is to make this a long term initiative.

We are seeking your support in joining hands to rebuild and bring normalcy back to our community. We would love to see our children return to school away from some of the current frustrations everyone is experiencing, but your help is greatly needed in such an unfortunate time. We thank you in advance.